Leeds Rhinos: Milestone targets at St James’ Park

Peter Smith

FORMER ENGLAND forward Jamie Jones-Buchanan is in contention to make his 350th career appearance when Leeds Rhinos face Wigan Warriors tonight.

Jones-Buchanan has been named in Rhinos’ initial 19-man squad for the Magic Weekend showdown at St James’ Park after missing Leeds’ past three games due to a hamstring problem.

The 33-year-old, who made his debut in 1999, has played 329 games for Leeds, as well as one Test for Great Britain, 17 for England and two with England ‘A’.

Fellow forward Brett Delaney, who missed last week’s win over Hull KR with a leg injury, is also included in Brian McDermott’s initial 19-man squad.

Leeds captain Kevin Sinfield is one game away from drawing level with St Helens’ Paul Wellens at the top of Super League’s all-time appearance chart, with 439.

Rhinos prop Jamie Peacock is third on 422. Sinfield’s next goal will be his 1,500th in Super League and his half-back partner Danny McGuire needs one try to reach 250 for Rhinos.

Wigan coach Shaun Wane has opted against making wholesale changes following his side’s 58-16 defeat at Catalans Dragons a week ago. Rhodri Lloyd drops out from the 17 on duty in France, with Ben Flower set to return from injury and Connor Farrell and Ryan Hampshire also coming into contention.